Paul Morrissey, a visionary filmmaker who helped shape the world of avant-garde cinema and was a long-time collaborator of Andy Warhol, has passed away at age 86. Morrissey, who was celebrated for his unique approach to filmmaking and contributions to Warhol’s famed underground films, died on Monday in a New York hospital due to complications from pneumonia, as confirmed by his archivist, Michael Chaiken.
A Legacy in Underground Cinema
Born on February 23, 1938, in New York City, Morrissey began creating short films on 16mm in the 1950s, drawn to the unfiltered world of underground cinema. After his stint in the Army, he established an experimental moviehouse, showcasing his works as well as those of other filmmakers. This venture eventually led him to cross paths with the art icon Andy Warhol, with whom he would form a long-lasting creative partnership.
Their collaboration began in 1965 with My Hustler and continued through several iconic films, including Chelsea Girls, Flesh, and Trash. These films were renowned for their raw, often ad-libbed portrayals of New York City’s counterculture, featuring actors from diverse backgrounds, many of whom were non-professionals. Morrissey took on multiple roles in production, often serving as director, cinematographer, and editor to achieve the distinct style that defined their works.
Manager of The Velvet Underground
Aside from filmmaking, Morrissey played a key role in managing the avant-rock band The Velvet Underground, whose experimental music complemented the Warhol art scene. Although their debut album initially struggled on the charts, it ultimately became a milestone in rock music. Morrissey’s early guidance helped the band, fronted by Lou Reed and John Cale, navigate the industry, even though his management of the band was brief.
Life Beyond Warhol’s Influence
Following a split with Warhol in 1974, Morrissey continued to create films independently, although he often downplayed Warhol’s contributions to their earlier works. His later movies included The Hound of the Baskervilles (1978), where Peter Cook and Dudley Moore took on the roles of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, as well as Forty-Deuce (1982), marking an early career milestone for actor Kevin Bacon. Morrissey’s final film, News from Nowhere, was released in 2010.
Paul Morrissey is survived by his brother, Kenneth Morrissey, along with several nieces and nephews, leaving behind a legacy of groundbreaking films that redefined independent cinema.
